Rabies

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It is a requirement in North Carolina that all cats, dogs and ferrets over 4 months of age be vaccinated against rabies. It is also a requirement that these animals wear a valid rabies tag at all times. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in a fine or fee.

Vaccinations are available from any licensed veterinarian. Additionally, Orange County offers low-cost rabies clinics throughout the year. The dates, times and locations for these clinics are listed below and the vaccination cost is $10. Click here to see the list of clinics offered by OCAS.

Should your pet come in contact with an animal that might be considered a rabies carrier, contact Animal Control immediately at (919) 942-PETS (7387) . In the event of contact is after regular business hours, call 911.

Rabies in Orange County and Low-Cost Clinics

Orange County's Animal Services Department schedules low-cost rabies clinics annually. Clinics are very important as North Carolina continues to be affected by the epidemic of "eastern raccoon rabies" that began in the latter half of the 1990s.

In 2017, there were 9 confirmed rabies cases in Orange County. There were 6 confirmed cases in 2016, 11 confirmed rabies cases in 2015, and 23 confirmed cases in 2014. In both 2012 and 2013, there were 12 positive cases. By comparison, there were 20 positive cases in 2008; 19 in 2007; 26 in 2006; and 24 in 2005. The incidence of rabies among a host species increases and decreases over a period of time. Click here to see a distribution map of positive cases in Orange County between 2010 and 2014.

It is for this reason that Orange County residents are urged to remain vigilant. Pet owners must be sure that our dogs, cats, and ferrets are currently vaccinated against rabies and also that they immediately receive a booster shot if there is any possible exposure to rabies or a rabies vector.

Low-cost rabies vaccination clinics are one of several rabies-related services offered by Orange County Animal Services. Staff also educates the public, investigates potential rabies exposures, and enforces applicable rabies regulations.

2018 Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination Schedule

Date

Location

Time

Notes

Saturday, January 20

Animal Services Center

1601 Eubanks Road

Chapel Hill, NC

9 am - 12 pm

1 and 3-year vaccines available.

3-year requires proof of previous vaccination.

Thursday, February 22

Animal Services Center

1601 Eubanks Road

Chapel Hill, NC

5 pm - 7 pm

1 and 3-year vaccines available.

3-year requires proof of previous vaccination.

Saturday, March 10

Piedmont Feed & Garden Center

4805 NC Hwy 54 W

Chapel Hill, NC

10 am - 12 pm

1 and 3-year vaccines available.

3-year requires proof of previous vaccination.

Thursday, April 12

Animal Services Center

1601 Eubanks Road

Chapel Hill, NC

3 pm - 5 pm

1 and 3-year vaccines available.

3-year requires proof of previous vaccination.

Saturday, May 19

RENA Community Center

101 Edgar St.

Chapel Hill, NC

2 pm - 5 pm

1 and 3-year vaccines available.

3-year requires proof of previous vaccination.

Saturday, June 9

Animal Services Center

1601 Eubanks Road

Chapel Hill, NC

9 am - 12 pm

1 and 3-year vaccines available.

3-year requires proof of previous vaccination.

Saturday, July 21

Schley Grange

Schley Road

Hillsborough, NC

10 am - 12 pm

1 and 3-year vaccines available.

3-year requires proof of previous vaccination.

Thursday, August 16

Animal Services Center

1601 Eubanks Road

Chapel Hill, NC

3 pm - 5 pm

1 and 3-year vaccines available.

3-year requires proof of previous vaccination.

Thursday, September 27

Farmer's Market

Margaret Lane

Hillsborough, NC

5 pm - 7 pm

1 and 3-year vaccines available.

3-year requires proof of previous vaccination.

Saturday, September 29

Efland-Cheeks Community Center

Richmond Road

Mebane, NC

2 pm - 5 pm

1 and 3-year vaccines available.

3-year requires proof of previous vaccination.

Thursday, October 25

Farmer's Market

Margaret Lane

Hillsborough, NC

5 pm - 7 pm

1 and 3-year vaccines available.

3-year requires proof of previous vaccination.

Thursday, November 15

Animal Services Center

1601 Eubanks Road

Chapel Hill, NC

3 pm - 5 pm

1 and 3-year vaccines available.

3-year requires proof of previous vaccination.

2018 Rabies Clinics will offer both 1-year and 3-year vaccinations. Microchips will also be offered for $35.

Checks, cards and cash will be accepted unless otherwise noted for specific clinics.

Replacement rabies tags or rabies vaccination certificates for animals vaccinated at Orange County Animal Services Center are available for $6. Please visit in person during regular business hours to obtain a replacement.

Visit us on Facebook for adoptable pets and events, and follow us on Twitter for listings of stray pets received at the Animal Services Center or found by others.

UPCOMING EVENTS...

Valentine Adoption SpecialTake advantage of REDUCED ADOPTION FEES for all of our dogs, cats, kittens, and puppies throughout the ENTIRE MONTH OF FEBRUARY!

Low-cost rabies vaccination and microchip clinicThursday, February 225pm -7pm This clinic will be held at our Animal Services Center on Eubanks Road in Chapel Hill. One and three-year vaccinations available for $10 (must have a previous rabies certification in hand to receive 3-year vaccine, a tag alone is not sufficient). Microchips offered for $35. Please bring animals on leashes and in carriers. See details and other rabies clinic dates this year on our rabies

SAVE OUR SENIORS!

Animal Services is now running a year-round Senior Adoption Special: The adoption fee for any senior cat or dog (8 years or older) will be only $30! Also, senior citizens may take advantage of our year-round Senior Squared Special: If any senior citizen (65 or older) adopts a senior cat or dog (8 years or older), the adoption is FREE!